New October target date for one Regulator, one rule book

The Board of Australia’s first dedicated National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has advised Australia’s transport Ministers that the start date for the Heavy Vehicle National Law needs to move from 1 September 2013.

“The Board has proposed a new target date of 1 October, noting that this date is subject to more testing of the NHVR’s IT systems and processes. This will allow more preparatory work, particularly in relation to our critical access management IT system for permit applications,” said NHVR CEO, Richard Hancock.

“Our rigorous testing of this IT system, which will process up to 100,000 permit applications per year, has identified some integration issues that we need to fix before it goes live. This isn’t unusual and just highlights the significant efforts we’re making to ensure the system goes live when it is ready. We will be the first organisation in Australia managing that volume of permit applications every year.

“Our IT contract partners, selected through an extensive tender process overseen by independent experts, along with our NHVR team, have put in a huge amount of effort to get to where we are in a short amount of time.

“I’ve talked with national and state industry associations and the overwhelming message is one of support for the NHVR and that they want us to ensure that our IT systems and processes are working as they need to be,” said Mr Hancock.

During September, the NHVR will bring in a range of industry and government representatives to see demonstrations of the access management system and to take part in user acceptance testing.

Mr Hancock also thanked Ministers and participating road transport agencies for their continued support.

“The additional time allows for more training of transport inspectors and police officers, and for us to give information and support to local councils.”

“Until our new start date, though, it’s business as usual for heavy vehicle operators and drivers. Come to us for NHVAS and PBS services as you have been since January. Stick with your local road transport authority for all other road transport business with government, including access, vehicle standards and fatigue management, “said Mr Hancock.

Mr Hancock noted that this reform milestone has been many years in the making and, with the constructive assistance of all stakeholders, remains on track for commencement in 2013.

Once the new NHVR systems are ready to roll, the new rule book will apply in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.

ENDS...

Contact: Orla Thompson
Manager – Marketing and Communication
Telephone: 07 3309 8609
Mobile: 0419 092 510
Email: media@nhvr.gov.au